Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has revealed that missing Spain’s triumphant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign was the most painful experience of his career, describing it as “the worst summer” of his life.

The 23-year-old admitted he needed professional help to cope with the emotional toll after an untimely injury ruled him out of a tournament Spain ultimately won, leaving him to watch his teammates lift football’s biggest prize from the sidelines.

Fermin Lopez devastated after missing World Cup

For Fermin Lopez, the timing could not have been worse. The Barcelona star was enjoying arguably the best form of his career before an injury abruptly ended his hopes of representing Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Instead of competing on the biggest stage, he endured months of rehabilitation while his teammates marched all the way to the title.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio’s Tot Costa during Barcelona’s pre-season tour in England, Lopez admitted the disappointment was overwhelming.

“It’s been the worst summer of my life. I was at my peak, everything was going well, and then the injury happened.”

The midfielder explained that the experience changed him both mentally and emotionally, forcing him to lean heavily on those closest to him.

Fermin’s injury affected him mentally

The psychological impact of Fermin’s injury proved just as challenging as the physical recovery.

Lopez revealed he sought professional support while relying on his family, partner and close friends to help him navigate one of the darkest periods of his football career.

“I’ve gotten through it thanks to my family, my partner and my friends,” he said.

“I needed help. I already had it before, but my coach has helped me a lot to get through it.”

The Barcelona academy graduate admitted there were moments when the pain of missing the tournament became too much to bear.

Fermin Lopez could not watch Spain’s early World Cup matches

Watching Spain compete without him was initially impossible.

The midfielder confessed that he deliberately avoided his country’s opening World Cup fixtures because the emotions were too overwhelming.

“I didn’t watch the first few matches of the Spanish national team in the World Cup. I couldn’t. I wanted to be there at the World Cup.”

Despite his heartbreak, Fermin Lopez insisted he never stopped supporting his teammates and celebrated their success wholeheartedly.

“Let me make it clear that it made me very happy to see my teammates win the World Cup.”

As the tournament progressed, his emotions gradually became easier to manage.

“Towards the end of the World Cup, I felt a bit better and decided to go see the final live in New York.”

Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to secure their second FIFA World Cup title, a historic achievement Lopez experienced as a spectator rather than a participant.

Fermin Lopez nearing Barcelona comeback

Months of rehabilitation have now placed Fermin Lopez on the verge of returning to competitive action.

The midfielder is currently training under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick during the club’s pre-season preparations in the United Kingdom and says he is recovering well.

“I’m feeling better every day. I have no discomfort, which is important.”

Lopez is hopeful of making his first appearance since his injury in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a significant milestone in his recovery.

“If everything goes well, I could play a few minutes in the Gamper Trophy match.”

The Spaniard believes overcoming such adversity has only strengthened his determination.

“The intention is to come back from this injury with even more motivation.”

Barcelona midfielder targets more success

With his recovery progressing positively, Fermin Lopez has already shifted his attention to Barcelona’s ambitions for the new campaign.

The midfielder believes the Catalan giants are now mature enough to compete for Europe’s biggest prizes after several seasons of growth together.

“I’ve already shown how I can help Barca, and I have to continue doing the same next season.”

Lopez believes Barcelona have what it takes to challenge for the UEFA Champions League.

“The dream of winning the Champions League is shared by the whole team.”

“We’ve been playing together for three years and have experienced a lot. I feel we’re ready to win the Champions League.”

Domestically, he also acknowledged the challenge of defending the La Liga title for a third consecutive season.

“Winning a third consecutive league title is difficult. It will be a tough year.”

“But if we’re focused on our game and united, we can win a third league title.”

Fermin Lopez determined to make up for lost time

Although Fermin’s injury denied him the opportunity to become a World Cup winner alongside his Spain teammates, the Barcelona midfielder believes the painful experience has made him mentally stronger.

After enduring months of disappointment and recovery, Fermin Lopez is now focused on returning to full fitness and helping Barcelona compete for major honors. With his confidence returning and his rehabilitation nearing completion, the 23-year-old is determined to ensure the heartbreak of missing Spain’s World Cup triumph becomes a source of motivation rather than regret.